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NFL offseason grades: Sizing up each team's moves

As the NFL's 32 teams steam toward the preseason, a final graded assessment of each club's offseason by USA TODAY Sports' Nate Davis. We begin with the AFC grades, then conclude with the NFC. Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

A- | Cleveland Browns: Even if QB Johnny Manziel is a total bust, the other five members of the draft class might be enough to reboot a stagnant franchise that also landed an extra first rounder for 2015. If Manziel is an ace, that elusive Super Bowl might not be far off. Pro Bowl CB Joe Haden and C Alex Mack locked in long term while S Donte Whitner and LB Karlos Dansby offset losses of T.J. Ward and D'Qwell Jackson, respectively. The expected suspension of all-pro WR Josh Gordon is a blow, but how much of that is the franchise's fault? Maybe Miles Austin and/or Nate Burleson can stay healthy and productive for the year. Maybe. Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports

B+ | Baltimore Ravens: It may seem as if they were quiet in free agency. But GM Ozzie Newsome was methodically plowing his funds into keeping OLB Terrell Suggs, LT Eugene Monroe, TE Dennis Pitta, ILB Daryl Smith and WR/KR Jacoby Jones. Then WR Steve Smith dropped in with his signature swagger, which should be a shot in the arm a year removed from the departures of LB Ray Lewis, S Ed Reed and WR Anquan Boldin. C Jeremy Zuttah and G Will Rackley should improve a line that still has an apparent hole at right tackle. Rookies C.J. Mosley and Timmy Jernigan are exciting additions to an already solid defense. The club's five arrests were a blight, most notably RB Ray Rice and CB Jimmy Smith. Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

B+ | Houston Texans: No matter how good No. 1 draft pick Jadeveon Clowney turns out to be, the Texans' pivotal addition promises to be new head coach Bill O'Brien, whose reputation as a quarterback whisperer will be vitally important in reigning in veteran Ryan Fitzpatrick and/or prepping rookie Tom Savage for the show. If O'Brien's credentials hold up, Clowney and his fellow rookies come close to fulfilling their potential, and the new safety tandem settles in, this talented team could be right back in the playoff hunt. But somebody better convince WR Andre Johnson. Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

B | Jacksonville Jaguars: They've averaged 15.5 points per game since 2011, so it was no surprise GM Dave Caldwell bid adieu to RB Maurice Jones-Drew, QB Blaine Gabbert and most of the starting O-line and dedicated his top four draft picks to improving the offense. With vet QB Chad Henne back, the Jags can take their time training rookie Blake Bortles, something the previous regime didn't do for Gabbert. Caldwell also upgraded in free agency and paid for the winning DNA of G Zane Beadles and DEs Red Bryant and Chris Clemons, who all played in Super Bowl XLVIII. Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

B- | Miami Dolphins: New GM Dennis Hickey's primary task was overhauling an O-line that shamed this franchise on and off the field last year. C Mike Pouncey — who must first recover from June hip surgery — will be flanked by four new starters, with free agent LT Branden Albert (a Pro Bowler) and first-round RT Ja'Wuan James (a reach?) the headliners. But Hickey hopes their only headlines are for protecting QB Ryan Tannehill and opening bigger holes for the backs, including newcomer Knowshon Moreno, who recently needed arthroscopic knee surgery. Signing DT Earl Mitchell was cheaper than keeping Paul Soliai. Second-round WR Jarvis Landry may be a jewel. Robert Mayer-USA TODAY Sports

B- | New England Patriots: Glass half full — they've reached the AFC Championship Game in five of the past eight seasons and are always on the cusp of a title. Glass half empty — they're 10 years removed from their last Lombardi run and may not have improved enough to end the drought. Landing Darrelle Revis is a major win, and fellow CB Brandon Browner is gravy once eligible. But the offense still seems to lack quick-strike capability, and TE Rob Gronkowski's durability will remain a concern. A redshirt-heavy draft doesn't seem equipped to contribute much in 2014. Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

C+ | Pittsburgh Steelers: They continue kicking salary cap issues down the road, and that promises to eventually become an issue with QB Ben Roethlisberger only signed through 2015. But at least they moved on from former defensive linchpins Brett Keisel, LaMarr Woodley, Ryan Clark and Larry Foote. Keeping promising Jason Worilds over Woodley could prove especially wise. Free agent S Mike Mitchell and rookies Ryan Shazier and Stephon Tuitt must take up the slack. Blazing scatback Dri Archer and 6-4 WR Martavis Bryant give Big Ben new options on an offense that seems ready to blossom. Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports

C | Tennessee Titans: After hovering at .500 since 2009, some culture shock probably isn't a bad thing under new coach Ken Whisenhunt and a staff that's shaking things up on both sides of the ball. RB Chris Johnson was no longer a fit, and QB Jake Locker is down to his final chance to prove he's not a square peg in a round hole. Holdovers Jurrell Casey and Derrick Morgan are among those who seem out of place on the new hybrid 3-4 defense, though enthusiasm reigns under new (but proven) coordinator Ray Horton. Whisenhunt and Co. have a plan, inherited some good players and drafted talented ones. Seems like a classic transition season. Jim Brown-USA TODAY Sports

C- | Cincinnati Bengals: Despite more than adequate salary cap space, they did not retain DE Michael Johnson, LT Anthony Collins or WR Andrew Hawkins. The Bengals have drafted very well in recent years — and appeared to do so again by tabbing CB Darqueze Dennard and RB Jeremy Hill, among others — to backfill their depth chart. But would it have hurt to add a top-shelf blocker, a better safety or even an extra receiver? There still would have been plenty left to do long-term deals for WR A.J. Green and QB Andy Dalton, who are both still waiting by the way. Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports

D+ | Oakland Raiders: AARP met AFC West as they handed out fat contracts to fading players like LaMarr Woodley, Justin Tuck, Charles Woodson, Carlos Rogers and Maurice Jones-Drew while trading for QB Matt Schaub. Why GM Reggie McKenzie didn't allot some of his massive cap funds to rising players like LT Jared Veldheer and DE Lamarr Houston (rather than being part of the Rodger Saffold fiasco) remains a mystery, but maybe the Super Bowl experience of the newcomers will override this franchise's losing DNA. A draft class led by LB Khalil Mack and QB Derek Carr does bring good vibes. Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

F | Kansas City Chiefs: A virtually maxed-out salary cap precluded them from re-signing Pro Bowlers Branden Albert and Dexter McCluster (100-plus catches since 2012) and three other starting linemen, though it wasn't worth bringing DE Tyson Jackson back. Still, the roster wasn't airtight prior to free agency and didn't seem sufficiently restocked by a draft that brought luxury pass rusher Dee Ford and several players who hardly seem ready to contribute soon. Throw in stalled contract talks with QB Alex Smith and OLB Justin Houston (who skipped offseason workouts) — though the June release of CB Brandon Flowers could assist with those negotiations — and this seems like a team thrown into reverse after a charmed 2013 season. Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

A- | Seattle Seahawks: The champs knew they couldn't keep everyone and weren't thrilled to lose WR Golden Tate or several starting linemen. But all-pro DBs Richard Sherman and Earl Thomas are now signed through 2018, while DL Michael Bennett and Tony McDaniel both returned. The draft didn't resonate, but GM John Schneider and coach Pete Carroll have more than proven themselves on the player acquisition front. And rookie WR Paul Richardson is the speed threat QB Russell Wilson needed while Justin Britt may vie for one of the vacant jobs on the O-line. If WR Percy Harvin holds up, this team might be even better. Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports

B+ | St. Louis Rams: They couldn't do much in free agency but did re-sign G Rodger Saffold for less than the Oakland Raiders originally offered. But coach Jeff Fisher and GM Les Snead made a splash in the draft, obtaining the best offensive lineman (Greg Robinson) and defensive tackle (Aaron Donald) plus an ideal nickelback (Lamarcus Joyner) before Michael Sam became the focus. Rookie RB Tre Mason should fit nicely alongside Zac Stacy. If QB Sam Bradford performs as he was before last season's knee injury — and gets more help from receivers like Tavon Austin — this team could make serious waves. Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports

B | Arizona Cardinals: GM Steve Keim and coach Bruce Arians struck a nice balance between adding players who could vault a 10-win team over the playoff hump while finding others who should be cornerstones immediately or eventually. Keim badly needed a left tackle for immobile QB Carson Palmer and signed young Jared Veldheer for less than top dollar. Veteran Antonio Cromartie and first rounder Deone Bucannon bolster a secondary that should be formidable once injured S Tyrann Mathieu is ready. Right tackle could be an issue, and the season-long suspension of Pro Bowl LB Daryl Washington certainly stings. Rob Schumacher/The Republic

B | Minnesota Vikings: Parting with DE Jared Allen and DT Kevin Williams was tough, but the Vikings allowed the most points in the league last year with the longtime duo in uniform. New head coach Mike Zimmer brings a highly regarded defensive mind and should nicely mold a unit now manned by incoming free agents Linval Joseph and Captain Munnerlyn and rookies Anthony Barr and Scott Crichton. If re-signed veteran Matt Cassel or first rounder Teddy Bridgewater can provide stability under center, the offense has enough firepower elsewhere to make this team a threat. Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports

B | New Orleans Saints: They squeezed a $54 million contract for FS Jairus Byrd into their cap plans and snared dynamic WR Brandin Cooks in the draft. Re-signing underappreciated RT Zach Strief and adding vet CB Champ Bailey appear wise. To make room, several defenders from the '09 Super Bowl club were purged while offensive chess piece Darren Sproles was dealt, much to QB Drew Brees' dismay. But at least TE Jimmy Graham's protracted contract spat was resolved at the 11th hour, preventing him from what could have been a killer camp holdout. Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

B | Washington Redskins: Even though only one team (Vikings) allowed more points in 2013, the defense returns mostly intact. Notable additions include Pro Bowl lineman Jason Hatcher, who's coming off knee surgery, and S Ryan Clark, who should take over retired LB London Fletcher's captaincy. But it's the offense that's worth watching. Their two-year, $36 million salary cap penalty paid, the 'Skins shelled out for WRs DeSean Jackson and Andre Roberts to join Pierre Garcon. With QB Robert Griffin III fully healthy and new coach Jay Gruden calling the shots, this team should be explosive. Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

B- | Chicago Bears: GM Phil Emery's draft wasn't breathtaking, but he did what had to be done, devoting four of his first five picks to update what was probably the worst defense in 94 years of Bears football. High-revving DE Jared Allen may prove a better fit than castoff Julius Peppers, and the versatility of under-the-radar DL Lamarr Houston should be a pleasant surprise for Chicago fans. Safety still appears to be a weakness. The offense may be even more dangerous in Year 2 under Marc Trestman, though losing oft-injured QB Jay Cutler's backup, Josh McCown, is a red flag. David Banks-USA TODAY Sports

B- | Green Bay Packers: GM Ted Thompson stepped out of character by signing street free agent Julius Peppers, who could re-energize the pass rush for a defense that's struggled to make big plays lately. Rangy rookie S Ha Ha Clinton-Dix also has game-changing ability. But Thompson is relying on less heralded players to step up for more established ones he let go, a list that includes C Evan Dietrich-Smith, TE Jermichael Finley and WR James Jones. Having QB Aaron Rodgers and OLB Clay Matthews fully healthy is an obvious plus. WRs Jordy Nelson and Randall Cobb still need new contracts with free agency looming in 2015 for both. Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports

B- | New York Giants: For a team that typically builds through the draft, the Giants were uncharacteristically active in free agency, importing more than a dozen veterans. The biggest names were CBs Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie and Walter Thurmond and RB Rashad Jennings. Both lines swapped aging starters for younger, stopgap depth, though Monday's retirement of Pro Bowl G Chris Snee was a blow. Rookie WR Odell Beckham, C Weston Richburg and RB Andre Williams should quickly plug into the lineup as difference-making assets for QB Eli Manning, who was overrun while trying to carry this team by himself last year. Noah K. Murray-USA TODAY Sports

C+ | San Francisco 49ers: A stacked roster only got deeper and may be the NFL's best 53-man collection of talent. Stevie Johnson and rookie Bruce Ellington join re-signed Anquan Boldin in a wideout group that now has more diverse options. Free agent S Antoine Bethea is probably a step down from Donte Whitner, but rookie Jimmie Ward may compensate there. The draft brought an exciting 12-player haul, though some may be stashed for a year. But the Niners have worries, including the knee of ILB NaVorro Bowman, and the off-field controversies that followed coach Jim Harbaugh, QB Colin Kaepernick and OLB Aldon Smith, who faces NFL discipline after resolving weapons and drunken driving charges in court last week. Jason Bridge-USA TODAY Sports

D | Dallas Cowboys: Was DE DeMarcus Ware experienced or old? Either way, he was expensive, and the Cowboys no longer had the cap room to keep the premier name on a defense that ranked last in the NFL in 2013. Maybe it won't matter given his lack of impact last year, but will reclamation projects Henry Melton, Anthony Spencer and Jeremy Mincey fix this unit? Patching the void left by MLB Sean Lee's torn ACL also seems an exercise in futility for the capped-out Cowboys. Reaching up for DE Demarcus Lawrence in Round 2 cost Jerry Jones his third rounder, a price he could hardly afford. But adding first-round G Zack Martin looks smart in light of QB Tony Romo's deteriorating back. Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

D | Detroit Lions: Aside from the maybe too rich deal to WR Golden Tate, this team doesn't look markedly different from the outfit that crumbled after a 6-3 start in 2013. New coach Jim Caldwell's ability to affect culture change may be the determining factor for a successful 2014. The draft brought a surplus at tight end (promising Eric Ebron) but not the impact player that might have made a bigger difference behind the vaunted D-line, which now features a pair of starters at D-tackle (Ndamukong Suh, Nick Fairley) who have unresolved contract issues. Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports

D- | Carolina Panthers: They lacked the flexibility to spend much but earmarked $13 million to franchise emerging DE Greg Hardy, who later made news for the wrong reasons off the field. GM Dave Gettleman made the controversial choice to cut WR Steve Smith while watching his wideout and secondary depth charts evaporate. QB Cam Newton underwent ankle surgery and lost Pro Bowl LT Jordan Gross to retirement. Gettleman signed low-level replacements and used his Round 1 pick on raw WR Kelvin Benjamin. But unless the journeymen and rookies shine, the NFC South champs don't appear well-armed to defend their crown. Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports